9 Best Public Universities in Chennai for International Students

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Chennai is one of the cities in India you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Chennai can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.

There are 18 universities you can find in Chennai, and 9 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Chennai a great place for international students.

In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Chennai, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!

Public Universities in Chennai

1. Indian Institute of Technology Madras

  • Indian Institute of Technology Madras Page
  • Indian Institute of Technology Madras is the third to be founded among the different IIT campuses in India. As such, it is considered an Institute of National Importance. Such a title recognizes IIT Madras’s significant role in molding the future generation of young leaders, innovators, and workers. Like other IIT branches, the Madras campus is also known for its engineering programs. However, it does provide a wide range of program choices, including business administration and the humanities.

    2. Anna University

  • Anna University Page
  • Anna University continues to be a world-class institution that is a preferred partner to various industries and communities. It is known for being an active contributor to the economic and social development of the country because of the technical knowledge and professional skills it instills in the minds of young aspirants. As a leader in technical education, Anna University provides academic and research programs that lead to cutting-edge technologies.

    3. University of Madras

  • University of Madras Page
  • The University of Madras, a public university in Chennai, India, was founded in 1857, making it one of the oldest in the country. It is home to more than 4,800 students, most of which are enrolled in master’s and Ph.D. programs. The university also offers certificate programs, as well as diploma courses. Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, and Management, are some of the well-sought study fields in the university.

    4. Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R.Medical University

  • Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R.Medical University Page
  • Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R.Medical University provides Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs in various Health and Medical fields of study like Pharmacy, Nursing, and Physiotherapy. Training Certificates and Diploma courses are also available for students. The university was created through the Tamil Nadu Medical University Act 1987 with the motto of the motto “Health for all.”

    5. Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University

  • Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Page
  • Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University is the country’s first agricultural university of its kind. It was established in 1989 in response to the need for education and research in animal and veterinary sciences with the end goal of helping local farmers boost the productivity and profitability of their businesses. The university takes pride in its state-of-the-art laboratories and clinics where students can enhance their knowledge and practical skills through research and experimentation. Students also conduct fieldwork to expose themselves to the real challenges in animal production and care.

    6. Indian Maritime University

  • Indian Maritime University Page
  • Indian Maritime University was established in 2008 by the country’s government to provide top-notch maritime education, research, and training with a vision of making India a global leader in seafaring. It is composed of 6 campuses and has 21 affiliated colleges all over the country. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields related to seafaring such as naval architecture, marine engineering, and maritime management. 

    7. Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing

  • Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing Page
  • Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Kancheepuram is a public university in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was founded in 2007 with the goal of focusing on design and manufacturing-oriented engineering education. The university offers Bachelor of Technology degrees in a variety of scientific and technological fields, as well as dual degrees. In 2020, the National Institutional Ranking Framework ranked IIITDM Kancheepuram 182 among engineering colleges in India.

    8. Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University

  • Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University Page
  • Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University is the first academic institution for legal education in India and South Asia. It was established by the state government of Tamil Nadu to develop practitioners with advanced legal, professional, and research skills who will contribute to the country’s pursuit of social justice and progress. The university provides opportunities where students can apply their legal knowledge to real-life situations. The university also has a total of 16 affiliated law schools and colleges with which it offers academic and research programs in different fields of law. 

    9. Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University

  • Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University Page
  • Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University is the only academic institution in India dedicated to providing excellent education and training for future teachers. It was established in 2008 to respond to the need for more intellectual and passionate teachers in the region. At present, over 700 colleges of education in the country join forces with the university in conducting their education programs.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Chennai?

    Absolutely! International students in public universities in Chennai can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.

    As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Chennai charge up to 609,500 INR for bachelor’s and 225,000 INR for master’s studies.


    I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Chennai. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.